"When they despaired of him," meaning they despaired that he would return their brother to them. "They went off privately," meaning they began to confer privately and consult among themselves regarding that.

Muhammad said: Naji (one who confers privately) is a singular term used in the sense of a plural; the meaning is: they withdrew and conferred privately.

"Their eldest said," and he is Reuben, according to the interpretation of Qatadah. Al-Suddi said: He means their elder in opinion and knowledge, not necessarily their eldest in age.

"I will by no means leave the land," meaning the land of Egypt, "until my father permits me" to return to him, "or Allah decides for me" through death.